Noteworthy positive achievements in public education go virtually unnoticed because good news seldom garners the level of media attention that bad news gets. And besides, the teaching-learning process is less interesting and far less titillating from the mainstream media's perspective. That's why you are more likely to see negative or controversial items in the news more so than stories that highlight successes in public education.

In spite of an inordinate focus on negative education-related news, a good percentage of students well enough academically go to graduate with a diploma. Many of these students pursue and attain higher education degrees after graduation from public high schools in Clark County.

Inside Education came into existence as a television program designed specifically to give a more balanced perspective on efforts to educate students. Inside Education debuted October 2000 as a full-fledged television newsmagazine program devoted to providing factual information about the Clark County School District in a viewer-friendly format. The target audience is parents, taxpayers and employees. Inside Education serves as a vehicle to inform and educate the public about the school district, which is the nation's fifth largest and fastest-growing public school system. Video reports featuring weekly on the show highlight how teachers teach and children learn. The show also explores business operations of the district and support services such as transportation, foodservice and school construction.

An entire recent episode of Inside Education was devoted to explaining the ins-and-outs of a new report card issued to students in grades 1–5. Called a Standards-Based Report Card, this new progress report system was developed to report student progress toward meeting the Nevada Content Standards. The Nevada Content Standards outline essential student learning standards for each grade level and core course. These standards are used by classroom teachers for planning and classroom instruction. Instead of being issued on a nine week or semester basis, the new report card will be issued each trimester, three times a year.

In keeping with an established tradition, during the month of December, Inside Education will feature a variety of school music groups performing holiday music. Our special programs will air the last two weeks in December and the week of January 1^st.

Inside Education airs on KLVX-TV Channel 10 Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6:00 a.m., and also airs on Cox Cable Channel 71 Fridays at 4:30 p.m.

I am pleased to have an opportunity to write this monthly column and wish to thank and acknowledge Marleen Marino, founder and creator of Vegas Community Online, for extending this privilege to me. You don't need to be a parent with school-aged children to be interested in public education. As a taxpayer and resident of Clark County, you automatically become a stakeholder and therefore have a vested interest. If you haven't watched Inside Education before, I invite you to do so, so you too can be informed and up-to-date concerning the school district and ongoing efforts to educate students. If you have questions, suggestions or recommendations regarding our show, please contact me at rwillis@klvx.org. You may also get in touch with me via telephone at 799-1010, extension 307.